Methylmalonic Acid:
Why Methylmalonic Acid Test?
CLINICAL INFORMATION
Vitamin B12 is essential for the synthesis of RBC and it also helps in the proper functioning of the CNS, DNA synthesis etc. Methyl-MalonicAcid (MMA) is a metabolic intermediate substance produced during the digestion of protein and the excess MMA is excreted through the kidneys. Vitamin B12 regulates the levels of MMA in the body. The physiological function of MMA is to produce Coenzyme A. MMA reacts with vitamin B12 to produce Co-enzyme A (CoA). Coenzyme A is required for normal cellular functions. High MMA levels can be a major sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency (lack of Vit-B12 can result in anaemia). Other causes of MMA include kidney diseases etc. When the levels of MMA increases abnormally it is referred to as methylmalonic academia. MMA test in the blood or urine is most often used to diagnose Vitamin B12 deficiency, methylmalonic academia (a rare genetic disorder in which the body cannot process certain fats and proteins, hence if untreated can be life-threatening) and it is a part of a newborn screening test. Additional tests include homocysteine (homocysteine requires vitamin B12 to be metabolized) blood test (if homocysteine levels are high folic acid test may be ordered), folic acid test, and evaluation of intrinsic factors may be required etc. Other tests include CBC, blood (peripheral) smear test for anaemia (for the finding of megaloblastic anaemia, reticulocytes etc), vitamin B6 and B9 i.e folic acid tests (since when vitamin-B6 and vitamin-B9 are low it can lead to increased levels of homocysteine).
General Instructions:
Sample Requirement: Specimen - Blood sample collected from the vein or urine (as suggested by the Doctor). Test Preparation: Fasting Required.
NOTE - Sample for specimen collections may vary based on the patient’s condition/cases according to the patient’s presenting complaints/signs or symptoms:
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENT (Special or Rare Cases) - As instructed and guided by Physician / Clinician / Pathologist / as per Laboratory’s requirements, according to procedures and protocols.
This Multi-Specialty Clinical Referral Laboratory RT DIAGNOSTICS provides precise and accurate tests with an extensive range of testing services to the medical centres to help in the diagnosis and identification of pathology in the test specimens for infectious diseases and also to evaluate the function of organ systems of the patient. It prevents further complications and helps to stabilize and restore health to near normalcy at the earliest without delay.
